Arts Education in the U.S: 1982-2002

Overview & Synopsis

What percent of Americans have been exposed to arts education? Has it changed over time? How do demographic characteristics correlate with arts education? What is the state of arts education in U.S. schools? These research questions are the focus of this report, which is presented in two parts. Using data from the Surveys of Public Participation in the Arts, part one describes trends in arts education among adults over time and examines demographic correlates of arts education. Part two provides an overview of arts education in schools today. This report was contracted by the National Endowment for the Arts (C02-94) to evaluate arts education using the 1982, 1992, and 2002 Surveys of Public Participation in the Arts. This document presents the results of that effort. The findings should prove useful to researchers, arts educators, policy makers, and citizens interested in the state of arts education in America, the relationship between arts education and arts participation, and the state of arts education in public schools. Appended are: (1) Data Used in Analysis; (2) Methodologies; (3) Logistic Regression Models and Results; and (4) SPPA Survey Questions. (Contains 59 tables, 5 figures, 44 footnotes, and a bibliography.)